BJP backed candidate wins Ranchi mayoral poll

Ranchi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday lauded the victory of its candidate Asha Lakra who won the Ranchi mayoral election, which were held after the poll was cancelled over cash-for-vote allegations a year back.

Asha Lakra defeated Trinamool Congress (TMC) backed candidate Naveen Lakra by a margin of 14,969 votes, said an official. Asha Lakra secured 40,941 votes while Naveen Lakra managed to get 25,072 votes.Barsa Gari, All Jharkhand Students Union (AJKSU) backed nominee, came third with 22,534 votes while former mayor Rama Khalkho, who was supported by the Congress, took the fourth position with 11,604 votes.

The election for the Ranchi Municipal Corporation's mayoral post was held on June 23 and the counting of votes took place on Friday.

A total 14 candidates were in the fray. The election witnessed the lowest turnout with only 17.72 percent electors casting their votes.

The Ranchi mayoral election does not take place on party line. Political parties indirectly field their candidates.

The election was scheduled to be held in April last year. But it was cancelled after the authorities seized Rs 20 lakh in cash just before the election.

Former mayor Khalkho was arrested for allegedly influencing voters with money.